ANOTHER milestone has been reached in the new Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre with the completion of the diversion of the Green Burn that runs through the site.
The diversion work, carried out by Robertson Construction, was necessary as the original burn ran through the centre of the footprint of the new AECC building. The diversion has also been said to allow Aberdeen City Council and its development partner Henry Boot Developments to “maximise the use” of the rest of the site.
Derek Shewan, chief operating officer for Robertson Group said, “The diversion has increased the total length of the burn, substantially reduced the number and length of culverts, and increased the quality of the water and bankside. The landscaping work re-used materials from the Rowett Institute salvaged from the demolitions.
“The new waterway has been developed and designed in consultation with SEPA so that it functions like a natural water course and will continue to support the wildlife that used the original burn.”
Nick Harris, director of Henry Boot Developments in Scotland added, “The burn had to be diverted to allow the plans for the new AECC to be as good as they could possibly be. The diversion also delivers added benefits by reducing flood risk and creating an area of environmental improvement for the site. Reducing the amount of burn that passes through culverts also reduces the risk of blockages, opens it up and improves biodiversity.
“The successful completion of these works is a substantial milestone for the AECC project, along with the first steelwork for the hotel which began to be erected last month. It’s great to see progress coming along so well on this new facility.”
